10397488

Smart Shutter in Low Light

PublishedAugust 27, 2019
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
InventorsCamden Ramsay
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
20 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method for controlling a digital camera, comprising: determining if motion meeting a predefined motion criteria is present in image frames captured by the digital camera; responsive to determining that the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is not present in the image frames, controlling the digital camera to operate with a default shutter speed and a default digital gain; and responsive to determining that the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames, controlling the digital camera to operate with an adjusted shutter speed and an adjusted digital gain, the adjusted shutter speed and the adjusted digital gain resulting in an exposure value that corresponds to the default shutter speed and the default digital gain.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital camera control systems designed to optimize image capture in varying motion conditions. The problem addressed is maintaining consistent exposure quality in digital cameras when motion is detected in captured image frames, ensuring sharpness and proper brightness without manual adjustments. The method involves analyzing image frames to detect motion that meets predefined criteria, such as speed or intensity. If no significant motion is detected, the camera operates with default shutter speed and digital gain settings, ensuring standard exposure. When motion is detected, the camera adjusts both shutter speed and digital gain to compensate, while maintaining the same overall exposure value as the default settings. This ensures that moving subjects are captured with appropriate sharpness and brightness, preventing overexposure or underexposure due to motion. The system dynamically balances exposure parameters to adapt to motion, improving image quality in scenarios like sports, wildlife, or fast-moving environments. The predefined motion criteria can be based on factors like frame-to-frame differences or object tracking, allowing customization for different use cases. The adjustment of shutter speed and gain ensures that the final exposure remains equivalent to the default, avoiding the need for post-processing corrections. This approach enhances usability for both amateur and professional photographers by automating exposure adjustments in dynamic conditions.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining if a luminance level of light entering the digital camera is below a predefined luminance threshold; responsive to determining that the luminance level is not below the predefined luminance threshold, controlling the digital camera to operate with a default shutter speed and a default digital gain; and responsive to determining that the luminance level is below the predefined luminance threshold, controlling the digital camera to operate with the adjusted shutter speed and the adjusted digital gain, the adjusted shutter speed adjusted in a first direction from the default shutter speed and the adjusted digital gain adjusted in a second direction from the default digital gain, the second direction opposite the first direction.

Plain English Translation

A digital camera system adjusts exposure settings based on ambient light conditions to improve image quality. The system monitors the luminance level of incoming light and compares it to a predefined threshold. When the luminance is above the threshold, the camera operates with default shutter speed and digital gain settings. If the luminance falls below the threshold, the camera modifies these settings to compensate for low-light conditions. The shutter speed is adjusted in one direction (e.g., increased) while the digital gain is adjusted in the opposite direction (e.g., decreased). This inverse adjustment balances exposure control, reducing noise and maintaining image clarity in low-light environments. The system dynamically adapts to varying lighting conditions to optimize image capture without manual intervention. The method ensures proper exposure while minimizing artifacts caused by excessive gain or overly long shutter speeds.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adjusted shutter speed is adjusted in a first direction from the default shutter speed and the adjusted digital gain is adjusted in a second direction from the default digital gain, the second direction opposite the first direction.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to image capture systems, specifically methods for adjusting shutter speed and digital gain to optimize image quality. The problem addressed is the trade-off between motion blur and noise in low-light conditions, where slower shutter speeds reduce noise but increase blur, while faster shutter speeds reduce blur but increase noise. The method involves adjusting both shutter speed and digital gain from their default settings in opposite directions. For example, if the shutter speed is increased (reducing exposure time to minimize blur), the digital gain is decreased (reducing amplification of sensor noise). Conversely, if the shutter speed is decreased (increasing exposure time to reduce noise), the digital gain is increased (amplifying the signal to compensate for lower light). This reciprocal adjustment balances noise and blur to improve image quality. The method may also include determining an initial exposure setting based on ambient light conditions and then applying the reciprocal adjustments to shutter speed and digital gain. The adjustments can be fine-tuned based on additional factors, such as scene motion or desired image characteristics. The goal is to dynamically optimize exposure settings to produce clearer, less noisy images in varying lighting conditions.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining if the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames comprises: determining any of lateral movement of the digital camera with respect to a scene, movement of a subject in the scene with respect to the digital camera, shake of the digital camera, jitter of the digital camera, and rotation of the digital camera.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image processing, specifically detecting motion in image frames captured by a digital camera to improve image quality or stability. The problem addressed is the need to accurately identify various types of motion affecting image capture, such as camera movement, subject movement, or unintended shake/jitter, which can degrade image quality. The method involves analyzing image frames to determine if motion meeting predefined criteria is present. This includes detecting lateral movement of the camera relative to the scene, movement of a subject within the scene relative to the camera, camera shake, camera jitter, and rotational motion. These motion types are identified to enable corrective actions, such as image stabilization, exposure adjustments, or motion compensation. The predefined criteria may include thresholds for motion magnitude, duration, or direction, ensuring only relevant motion is flagged. The analysis may use techniques like optical flow, feature tracking, or sensor data from the camera to assess motion characteristics. The detected motion information can then be used to adjust camera settings, apply post-processing corrections, or trigger additional stabilization mechanisms. This improves the stability and clarity of captured images or videos by mitigating the effects of unwanted motion.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining if the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames comprises: applying a face detection analysis to one or more captured images to detect a location of a face in each of the one or more captured images; and determining if movement of the location of the face between the one or more captured images meets the predefined motion criteria.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to motion detection systems, specifically for identifying predefined motion patterns in image frames, such as those captured by a camera. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and reliable motion detection, particularly in scenarios where facial movement is used to trigger actions, such as authentication or user interaction. The method involves analyzing captured images to detect facial motion. First, a face detection analysis is applied to one or more images to identify the location of a face in each image. The system then evaluates whether the movement of the detected face between images meets predefined motion criteria. This criteria could include factors like speed, direction, or pattern of movement. If the motion matches the criteria, the system confirms the presence of the desired motion, which can then be used to trigger subsequent actions, such as unlocking a device or initiating a process. The face detection step ensures that the motion being analyzed is specifically related to a face, improving accuracy by filtering out irrelevant movements. The predefined motion criteria allow for customization based on the specific application, ensuring the system responds only to relevant motion patterns. This approach enhances security and usability in applications requiring motion-based interaction.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining if the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames comprises: obtaining sensor data from any of a gyroscope and accelerometer embedded in the digital camera; determining if motion of the digital camera indicated by the obtained sensor data meets the predefined motion criteria.

Plain English Translation

A digital camera system captures image frames and processes them to detect motion. The system uses embedded sensors, such as a gyroscope and accelerometer, to measure the camera's movement. The sensor data is analyzed to determine if the camera's motion meets predefined criteria, such as exceeding a threshold speed or acceleration. If the motion criteria are satisfied, the system identifies the presence of motion in the captured frames. This allows the camera to adjust settings, such as exposure or focus, to compensate for motion blur or other motion-related artifacts. The method ensures that motion detection is accurate and responsive, improving image quality in dynamic environments. The system may also use the motion data to trigger additional processing steps, such as stabilizing the image or applying motion correction algorithms. By integrating sensor-based motion detection, the camera can adapt to real-time conditions, enhancing performance in scenarios where manual adjustments would be impractical. The approach leverages existing hardware components to provide a robust solution for motion-aware imaging.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining if the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames comprises: determining if the digital camera is being operated by any of a shutter button on the digital camera and a remote control device.

Plain English Translation

A digital imaging system captures image frames using a digital camera and analyzes motion within those frames to detect specific motion patterns. The system processes the image frames to identify motion that meets predefined criteria, such as motion indicative of intentional camera movement or user interaction. The system determines whether the detected motion is caused by the user operating the camera, either through a physical shutter button on the camera or a remote control device. This detection helps distinguish intentional user actions from unintended or environmental motion, improving the accuracy of motion-based triggering or adjustments in the imaging process. The system may use this information to control camera functions, such as triggering image capture, adjusting settings, or enabling specific features based on the detected motion and user input. The method ensures that only relevant motion events, directly linked to user interaction, are processed, reducing false positives and enhancing the reliability of motion-based operations in digital imaging.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 2 , further comprising: determining if the luminance level is below a second threshold lower than the predefined luminance threshold; and responsive to determining that the luminance level is below the second threshold, controlling the digital camera to operate with a slowest allowable shutter speed and maximum allowable digital gain.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital camera control systems designed to optimize image capture in low-light conditions. The problem addressed is the degradation of image quality in low-light environments due to insufficient light reaching the camera sensor, which can result in underexposed or noisy images. The method involves monitoring the luminance level of a scene to determine appropriate camera settings. If the luminance level falls below a predefined threshold, the camera adjusts its settings to improve image capture. Specifically, if the luminance level is below a second, lower threshold, the camera is controlled to use the slowest allowable shutter speed and maximum allowable digital gain. This ensures that the sensor captures as much light as possible while maintaining acceptable image quality. The method also includes adjusting the camera's exposure settings based on the detected luminance level. If the luminance level is below the predefined threshold but above the second threshold, the camera may use intermediate settings to balance exposure and noise reduction. The slowest allowable shutter speed prevents motion blur, while the maximum allowable digital gain compensates for low light without excessive noise. This approach enhances image quality in challenging lighting conditions.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling the digital camera to operate with the adjusted shutter speed and the adjusted digital gain comprises: determining a characteristic of the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria, the characteristic being at least one of a type of the motion and a magnitude of the motion; generating a shutter prioritization value depending on the characteristic; multiplying the default shutter speed by a reciprocal of the shutter prioritization value to generate the adjusted shutter speed; and multiplying the default digital gain by the shutter prioritization value to generate the adjusted digital gain.

Plain English Translation

A digital imaging system adjusts camera settings to optimize image quality during motion. The system detects motion in a scene and determines its characteristics, such as type (e.g., linear, rotational) and magnitude (e.g., speed, acceleration). Based on these characteristics, a shutter prioritization value is generated to balance exposure and motion blur. The system then adjusts the shutter speed and digital gain inversely proportional to this value. For example, if motion is significant, the shutter speed is increased (reducing exposure time) to minimize blur, while the digital gain is decreased to compensate for reduced light sensitivity. Conversely, for minimal motion, the shutter speed is decreased to allow more light, and the digital gain is increased to enhance sensitivity. This adaptive adjustment ensures optimal image quality by dynamically responding to motion conditions without manual intervention. The method applies to digital cameras and imaging devices where motion detection and automatic exposure control are critical, such as surveillance, sports photography, or autonomous vehicle imaging.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling the digital camera to operate with the adjusted shutter speed and the adjusted digital gain comprises: determining a characteristic of the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria, the characteristic being at least one of a type of the motion and a magnitude of the motion; generating a shutter prioritization value depending on the characteristic; and performing a lookup in a lookup table mapping the shutter prioritization value to one of a predefined pair of shutter speed and digital gain values that each result in a same exposure value.

Plain English Translation

A method for optimizing digital camera settings during motion detection involves adjusting shutter speed and digital gain to improve image quality. The problem addressed is the trade-off between motion blur and image noise when capturing moving subjects. The method first detects motion and determines its characteristics, such as type (e.g., linear, rotational) and magnitude (e.g., speed, acceleration). Based on these characteristics, a shutter prioritization value is generated, which influences whether the camera prioritizes faster shutter speeds (to reduce blur) or higher digital gain (to reduce noise). A lookup table maps this prioritization value to a predefined pair of shutter speed and digital gain settings, ensuring consistent exposure while balancing blur and noise. This approach dynamically adapts camera settings to motion, enhancing image clarity without manual intervention. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where motion varies unpredictably, such as sports or wildlife photography.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein determining the characteristic of the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria comprises: determining that the motion includes a first motion type responsive to determining that the digital camera is being operated without a remote control device; determining that the motion includes a second motion type responsive to determining movement of one or more faces in one or more captured images; and determining that the motion includes a third motion type responsive to sensor data from an on-board sensor indicating motion of the digital camera.

Plain English Translation

A digital camera system analyzes motion to determine operational states and adjust functionality. The system identifies three distinct motion types to enhance user experience and security. First, it detects when the camera is being operated without a remote control device, indicating intentional manual handling. Second, it recognizes movement of faces in captured images, suggesting the presence of a user or subject in front of the camera. Third, it uses on-board sensor data, such as accelerometers or gyroscopes, to detect physical motion of the camera itself. These motion types are used to trigger specific responses, such as activating or deactivating features, adjusting settings, or initiating security measures. The system improves usability by automatically adapting to different usage scenarios, such as distinguishing between intentional user interaction and unintended movement. This approach enhances both convenience and security by ensuring the camera responds appropriately to environmental and user-induced motion.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for controlling a digital camera, the instructions when executed by a processor causing the processor to perform steps including: determining if motion meeting a predefined motion criteria is present in image frames captured by the digital camera; responsive to determining that the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is not present in the image frames, controlling the digital camera to operate with a default shutter speed and a default digital gain; and responsive to determining that the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames, controlling the digital camera to operate with an adjusted shutter speed and an adjusted digital gain, the adjusted shutter speed and the adjusted digital gain resulting in an exposure value that corresponds to the default shutter speed and the default digital gain.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital camera control systems designed to optimize image capture under varying motion conditions. The problem addressed is maintaining consistent exposure quality in digital cameras when motion is detected, ensuring sharp images without excessive noise or underexposure. The solution involves dynamically adjusting camera settings based on motion detection in captured image frames. The system analyzes image frames to determine if motion meets predefined criteria, such as speed or intensity. If no significant motion is detected, the camera operates with default shutter speed and digital gain settings, ensuring standard exposure. When motion is detected, the camera adjusts both shutter speed and digital gain to compensate, maintaining the same exposure value as the default settings. This adjustment prevents motion blur while avoiding excessive noise that could result from high digital gain. The system ensures that exposure remains consistent regardless of motion, improving image quality in dynamic environments. The invention is implemented via software instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, executed by a processor to control camera operations.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein determining if the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames comprises: determining any of lateral movement of the digital camera with respect to a scene, movement of a subject in the scene with respect to the digital camera, shake of the digital camera, jitter of the digital camera, and rotation of the digital camera.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image stabilization techniques for digital cameras. The problem addressed is the presence of unwanted motion in captured images, such as camera shake, subject movement, or unintended lateral or rotational shifts, which degrade image quality. The solution involves analyzing image frames to detect and compensate for various types of motion, ensuring sharper and more stable output. The system processes image frames to determine if motion meeting predefined criteria is present. This includes detecting lateral movement of the camera relative to the scene, movement of a subject within the scene, camera shake, jitter, and rotational motion. By identifying these motion types, the system can apply stabilization techniques to correct distortions and improve image clarity. The method may involve comparing sequential frames or using motion sensors to assess movement patterns. The stabilization process adjusts the captured frames to counteract detected motion, resulting in a more stable final image. This approach enhances usability in handheld or dynamic shooting conditions where motion artifacts are common.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein determining if the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames comprises: applying a face detection analysis to one or more captured images to detect a location of a face in each of the one or more captured images; and determining if movement of the location of the face between the one or more captured images meets the predefined motion criteria.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer vision systems for detecting motion in captured images, specifically focusing on facial movement analysis. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and tracking motion within image frames, particularly in scenarios where facial movement is relevant, such as in security, biometric authentication, or user interaction systems. The system processes image frames to determine if motion meeting predefined criteria is present. This involves applying face detection algorithms to captured images to locate a face in each frame. The system then analyzes the movement of the detected face's location across multiple images to assess whether the motion meets the predefined criteria. The predefined criteria may include thresholds for speed, direction, or pattern of movement, ensuring that only relevant motion is identified. The invention builds on a broader system that captures and processes image frames, where the motion detection is a key component. By focusing on facial movement, the system can filter out irrelevant motion, improving accuracy in applications like facial recognition, activity monitoring, or gesture-based control. The face detection and motion analysis steps are automated, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing real-time processing capabilities. This approach ensures reliable motion detection in dynamic environments where facial movement is a critical factor.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein determining if the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames comprises: obtaining sensor data from any of a gyroscope and accelerometer embedded in the digital camera; determining if motion of the digital camera indicated by the obtained sensor data meets the predefined motion criteria.

Plain English Translation

A digital camera system captures image frames and analyzes motion to detect specific movement patterns. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for processing image data. The system obtains sensor data from embedded motion sensors, such as a gyroscope or accelerometer, to detect camera movement. The instructions analyze this sensor data to determine if the detected motion meets predefined criteria, indicating a specific motion pattern. This analysis helps identify intentional or unintentional camera movements, such as shaking or panning, which may affect image quality or trigger specific camera functions. The system may use this motion detection to stabilize images, adjust settings, or activate features like burst mode or autofocus. The predefined motion criteria define thresholds or patterns that distinguish relevant movements from background noise or minor vibrations. By leveraging embedded sensors, the system provides real-time motion assessment without relying solely on image analysis, improving accuracy and responsiveness. This approach enhances camera performance in dynamic environments where motion detection is critical for optimal image capture.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein determining if the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames comprises: determining if the digital camera is being operated by any of a shutter button on the digital camera and a remote control device.

Plain English Translation

A digital imaging system captures image frames using a digital camera and analyzes motion within those frames to detect specific motion patterns. The system processes the image frames to identify motion that meets predefined criteria, such as motion indicative of intentional camera movement or user interaction. The system determines whether the detected motion is caused by the user operating the camera, either through a physical shutter button on the camera or a remote control device. This allows the system to distinguish between intentional user actions and unintentional or environmental motion, improving the accuracy of motion-based triggering or processing in digital imaging applications. The system may use this determination to enable or disable certain features, such as motion-based autofocus, image stabilization, or automated capture modes, based on whether the motion is user-initiated. The analysis may involve comparing motion patterns against stored templates or thresholds to assess whether the motion aligns with expected user interactions. This approach enhances the reliability of motion detection in digital cameras by ensuring that only relevant, user-driven motion triggers specific system responses.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein controlling the digital camera to operate with the adjusted shutter speed and the adjusted digital gain comprises: determining a characteristic of the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria, the characteristic being at least one of a type of the motion and a magnitude of the motion; generating a shutter prioritization value depending on the characteristic; multiplying the default shutter speed by a reciprocal of the shutter prioritization value to generate the adjusted shutter speed; and multiplying the default digital gain by the shutter prioritization value to generate the adjusted digital gain.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital camera systems that automatically adjust shutter speed and digital gain based on detected motion to improve image quality. The problem addressed is the trade-off between motion blur and image noise in dynamic scenes, where traditional auto-exposure systems may either blur fast-moving subjects or introduce excessive noise when using high gain. The system first detects motion in a scene and determines whether it meets predefined motion criteria. If motion is detected, the system analyzes its characteristics, such as the type (e.g., linear, rotational) and magnitude (e.g., speed or acceleration). Based on these characteristics, a shutter prioritization value is generated, which quantifies how aggressively the shutter speed should be adjusted to reduce blur. The default shutter speed is then divided by this value to produce an adjusted shutter speed, while the default digital gain is multiplied by the same value to produce an adjusted digital gain. This ensures that faster or more significant motion results in a shorter exposure time (reducing blur) while compensating with increased gain to maintain brightness, though at the cost of potential noise. The adjustments are dynamically recalculated as motion characteristics change, allowing real-time adaptation to varying scene conditions. The approach balances image sharpness and noise levels in motion-heavy environments.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein controlling the digital camera to operate with the adjusted shutter speed and the adjusted digital gain comprises: determining a characteristic of the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria, the characteristic being at least one of a type of the motion and a magnitude of the motion; generating a shutter prioritization value depending on the characteristic; and performing a lookup in a lookup table mapping the shutter prioritization value to one of a predefined pair of shutter speed and digital gain values that each result in a same exposure value.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital camera systems that adjust shutter speed and digital gain to compensate for motion while maintaining consistent exposure. The problem addressed is the challenge of capturing clear images in dynamic environments where motion blur or noise can degrade image quality. The solution involves dynamically adjusting camera settings based on detected motion characteristics. The system determines a characteristic of the motion, such as its type (e.g., linear, rotational) or magnitude (e.g., speed, acceleration). Based on this characteristic, a shutter prioritization value is generated, which influences how the camera balances shutter speed and digital gain. A lookup table maps this prioritization value to a predefined pair of shutter speed and digital gain values, ensuring that the exposure remains constant while optimizing for motion compensation. For example, faster motion may prioritize a higher shutter speed to reduce blur, while slower motion may allow for lower digital gain to minimize noise. The lookup table ensures that the selected shutter speed and digital gain produce the same exposure value, maintaining image brightness while adapting to motion. This approach allows the camera to dynamically adjust settings in real-time, improving image quality in scenarios with varying motion conditions. The system is implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, enabling integration into digital cameras or imaging devices.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. A camera comprising: an image sensor to capture image frames from light entering the camera; a lens assembly to direct the light entering the camera to the image sensor; a shutter controllable to pass the light to the lens assembly when the shutter is open and to block the light from entering the lens assembly when the shutter is closed; a processor; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform steps including: determining if motion meeting a predefined motion criteria is present in image frames captured by the digital camera; responsive to determining that the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is not present in the image frames, controlling the digital camera to operate with a default shutter speed and a default digital gain; and responsive to determining that the motion meeting the predefined motion criteria is present in the image frames, controlling the digital camera to operate with an adjusted shutter speed and an adjusted digital gain, the adjusted shutter speed and the adjusted digital gain resulting in an exposure value that corresponds to the default shutter speed and the default digital gain.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a camera system designed to automatically adjust exposure settings based on detected motion in captured image frames. The problem addressed is maintaining consistent exposure in varying lighting conditions while compensating for motion blur. The camera includes an image sensor to capture frames, a lens assembly to direct light to the sensor, and a controllable shutter to regulate light entry. A processor and non-transitory storage medium execute instructions to analyze motion in captured frames. If motion meeting predefined criteria is absent, the camera operates with default shutter speed and digital gain settings. When motion is detected, the camera adjusts shutter speed and digital gain to maintain the same exposure value as the default settings, preventing underexposure or overexposure while mitigating motion blur. The system dynamically balances exposure and motion compensation without manual intervention, improving image quality in dynamic scenes. The invention ensures consistent brightness and clarity by automatically adapting to motion while preserving the intended exposure level.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The camera of claim 19 , further comprising: a motion sensor to detect the motion based on movement of the digital camera while capturing the image frames.

Plain English Translation

Technical Summary: This invention relates to digital cameras with motion detection capabilities. The problem addressed is the need for cameras to automatically adjust settings or operations based on detected motion, improving image quality and user experience. The camera includes an image sensor to capture image frames and a processor to analyze these frames. The processor detects motion by comparing sequential frames, identifying differences that indicate movement. This motion detection can trigger various responses, such as adjusting exposure, focus, or shutter speed, or activating stabilization features. Additionally, the camera includes a dedicated motion sensor to enhance motion detection accuracy. This sensor detects physical movement of the camera itself while capturing images, providing supplementary data to the processor. By combining data from the image sensor and the motion sensor, the camera achieves more precise motion detection, enabling better stabilization, autofocus, and other adaptive functions. The motion sensor may use accelerometers, gyroscopes, or other inertial measurement units to track camera movement in multiple axes. This allows the system to distinguish between intentional camera movements (e.g., panning) and unintentional shakes, improving image stabilization and reducing blur. The invention aims to provide a robust motion detection system that enhances camera performance in dynamic environments, ensuring sharper images and smoother video capture.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

August 27, 2019

Inventors

Camden Ramsay

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